Portable golf ball damage repair device

ABSTRACT

A tool is provided for repairing or restoring the surface of a golf ball. A portable, hand-held, lightweight tool comprises one or more abrasive surfaces for repairing or lessening burs, gouges, scratches and other damage from the cover of a golf ball. The tool may be made from a pliable, deformable material, such as foam rubber, to conform to the curved surface of a golf ball. The tool may include a fastener so that the tool may be attached to a belt loop, golf bag, key chain, golf cart, or the like. In other exemplary embodiments, the tool may be an article of clothing or other golf equipment, such as a glove, towel, or golf club cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to a tool for repairing orrestoring the surface of a golf ball and more specifically to aportable, hand-held, lightweight tool for repairing surface damage onthe cover of a golf ball.

2. Background of the Invention

The game of golf is a very popular sport. Professional, amateur, andcasual players alike enjoy the challenges that golf presents. Unlikeother sports, golf is an individual sport where a player combinesseveral skills on each hole to try to lower his score. For example, in agiven hole of golf, a player may attempt a long drive, pitch his way outof a sand trap, strategically place the ball on the green, read thelayout of the green, and execute a putt with the proper angle and forceto place the ball into the cup and finish the hole below par.

The drive in particular demands a great amount of attention fromplayers. The drive itself can make or break a hole. The player attemptsto hit the ball with enough distance and accuracy to make each followingshot easier, and to ultimately reduce the number of strokes it takes tocomplete the hole. Players often visit driving ranges to perfect all thecomponents of their swings to increase distance and accuracy during thedrive.

A great amount of research and development goes into improving golfclubs and golf balls to achieve better results, particularly withrespect to the drive. The golf club that is used to drive the ball offthe tee, the driver, is considered by many players to be the mostimportant club in the bag, and players often covet the latest andgreatest driver on the market. In addition, the golf ball itself hasseen an evolution starting with the original featherie ball, which was aleather pouch that was filled with goose feathers, stitched shut, dried,oiled, and painted white. The gutta-percha ball was made from the gum ofthe Malaysian Sapodilla tree, which was heated and molded into a sphere.A common golf ball consists of a rubber core with wound rubber threadand an enamel cover, although golf ball manufacturers are alwaysattempting to improve the design.

The cover of the current golf ball has rows of dimples, which affectcertain aerodynamic forces. When in flight, a sphere experiences twotypes of drag. The first type is the obvious drag due to friction, whichonly accounts for a small part of the drag experienced by a golf ball inflight. The majority of the drag comes from the separation of the flowbehind the ball. This drag is known as pressure drag due to separation.The dimples achieve a fairly constant drag, even when the speed of thegolf ball increases. Dimples also cause a pressure differential betweenthe top and bottom of a back-spinning ball, which causes lift.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one illustrative embodiment, a portable tool for modifying a surfaceof a golf ball comprises a three-dimensional core of material having atleast one exterior surface and at least one abrasive surface portionattached to the at least one exterior surface. The at least one abrasivesurface portion has a grade of granularity such that application of theat least one abrasive surface portion to an exterior surface of a golfball modifies material of the exterior surface of the golf ball tolessen negative effects on dynamic properties caused by surface damage.

In another illustrative embodiment, a tool for modifying a surface of agolf ball comprises a core of material having at least one exteriorsurface and at least one abrasive surface portion attached to the atleast one exterior surface. The at least one abrasive surface portionhas a grade of granularity such that application of the at least oneabrasive surface portion to the exterior surface of a golf ball modifiesmaterial of the exterior surface of the golf ball to lessen negativeeffects on dynamic properties of the golf ball caused by surface damage.The tool further comprises a backing. The core of pliable material isaffixed to the backing, and the backing slides into a mounting bracket.

In another illustrative embodiment, a ball washer comprises an exteriorhousing, an interior ball washing mechanism, a mounting bracket, a coreof material having at least one exterior surface, and at least oneabrasive surface portion attached to the at least one exterior surface.The at least one abrasive surface portion has a grade of granularitysuch that application of the at least one abrasive surface portion tothe exterior surface of a golf ball modifies material of the exteriorsurface of the golf ball to lessen negative effects on dynamicproperties of the golf ball caused by surface damage. The ball washerfurther comprises a backing. The core of material is affixed to thebacking, and the backing slides into the mounting bracket.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, a golf club grip comprises atactile cover that fits over a handle portion of a golf club on a firstend of the golf club grip and a golf ball repair tool on a second end ofthe golf club grip. The golf ball repair tool comprises an abrasivesurface portion. The abrasive surface portion has a grade of granularitysuch that application of the at least one abrasive surface portion to anexterior surface of a golf ball modifies material of the exteriorsurface of the golf ball to lessen negative effects on dynamicproperties of the golf ball caused by surface damage.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bedescribed in, or will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in view of, the following detailed description of the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, as well as a preferred mode of use and further objectivesand advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view illustrating thecomposition of a golf ball with which aspects of the illustrativeembodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 2 illustrates a damaged surface of a golf ball with which aspectsof the illustrative embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 3 depicts a portable hand-held tool for repairing the surface of aball in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show views of a portable hand-held golf ball surfacerepair tool with concave surfaces in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict embodiments comprising a hand towel comprising atool for repairing the surface of a ball in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a golf club cover comprising a tool for repairing thesurface of a ball in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a ball washer having a tool for repairing the surface ofa ball in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show views of a golf ball surface repair tool withconcave surfaces in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts a golf cart in which the illustrative embodiments may beimplemented; and

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a golf club grip with a golf ball repairtool in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The illustrative embodiments provide a tool for repairing or restoringthe surface of the material of a damaged golf ball. A portable,hand-held, lightweight tool comprises one or more abrasive surfaces forrepairing surface damage on the cover of a golf ball. The cover of agolf ball is the hard coating on the outside of a golf ball. As usedherein, the term “surface” refers to the outside surface of the materialof the cover of the golf ball. The tool is configured to repair, remove,or lessen material damage to the surface of the golf ball by applicationof one or more of the abrasive surfaces. As used herein, the term“application” refers to manipulation of an abrasive surface while incontact with the surface of a damaged golf ball or manipulation of thegolf ball while in contact with an abrasive surface. The tool may bemade from a pliable material, such as foam rubber, to conform to thecurved surface of a golf ball. The tool may include a fastener so thatthe tool may be attached to a belt loop, golf bag, key chain, golf cart,or the like. In other exemplary embodiments, the tool may be an articleof clothing or other golf equipment, such as a glove, towel, golf clubcover, golf ball washer, or the like.

The illustrative embodiments may be utilized with many different typesof sports balls or other projectile objects. In order to provide acontext for the description of the specific elements and functionalityof the illustrative embodiments, FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided hereafter asexemplary golf balls with which exemplary aspects of the illustrativeembodiments may be implemented. While the description following FIGS. 1and 2 will focus primarily on a particular golf ball implementation,this is only exemplary and is not intended to state or imply anylimitation with regard to the features of the present invention. To thecontrary, the illustrative embodiments are intended to be applicable toany projectile the flight of which may be affected by imperfections inthe surface of the projectile.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view illustrating thecomposition of a golf ball with which aspects of the illustrativeembodiments may be implemented. Golf ball 100 comprises a rubber core102, which is surrounded by rubber winding 104. The outer surface ofgolf ball 100 is made up of a urethane cover 106. In the depictedexample, urethane cover 106 has a smooth, dimpled surface. The surfaceof urethane cover 106 affects certain aerodynamic forces on golf ball100. While golf ball 100 is shown with a rubber winding 104, many golfball designs may differ. For example, many golf balls available today donot use a rubber winding.

FIG. 2 illustrates a damaged surface of a golf ball with which aspectsof the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Golf ball 200 has asmooth urethane cover surface. The surface of golf ball 200 comprisesdimples, such as dimples 202. In the depicted example, golf ball 200 hasa damaged portion 204, which may be a bur, gouge, or scratch, forexample.

During play, a golf ball may come into contact with several objects orsurfaces. For instance, a game of golf is typically initiated bystriking (driving) the ball from a wooden or plastic tee. The ball maybounce and come to rest on a fairway, the rough (areas of long grass), asand trap (areas of sand that are usually around the green), the green(areas of short grass around the cup), and the cup. The ball also comesinto contact with the clubs themselves. In addition, the ball may strikeother objects, such as trees, golf carts, cement or gravel cart paths,and so forth.

As a result of the abuse a typical golf ball endures, the surface of theball may suffer surface damage, such as burs, gouges, scratches, etc.The term “surface damage,” as used herein, refers to any such damage tothe material surface of the ball that may affect the aerodynamics androlling dynamics of the ball, including, but not limited to, gouges andscratches. Because the cover surface of the golf ball is specificallydesigned for long, accurate flight, maintaining the integrity of thesurface of the golf ball is very important. Many pro shops and drivingranges collect damaged balls and send them to be resurfaced usingcomplicated and expensive machinery. However, during the course of thegame, the only solution for damage to the surface of the ball is toreplace it with a new one.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment, a tool is provided forsubstantially repairing or restoring the surface of a golf ball. Thatis, the tool modifies the material surface of the ball to reduce theeffects of surface damage and to lessen the negative effects onaerodynamics, rolling dynamics, or other dynamic properties caused bysurface damage. In one exemplary embodiment, the tool is portable,hand-held, and lightweight so that it may be carried on the golf courseto allow the player to modify the surface of the ball on the fly ratherthan relying on an expensive, cumbersome machine. The tool may compriseone or more abrasive surfaces for reducing the effects of surface damageon the material of the cover of a golf ball.

FIG. 3 depicts a portable hand-held tool for repairing the surface of aball in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Tool 300 has arectangular block shape with six sides. At least one of the sides hasone or more abrasive surfaces. For instance, in the example depicted inFIG. 3, the top surface of tool 300 has three abrasive surfaces 302,304, and 306. Surface 302 may have a coarse grade of granularity, orgrit; surface 304 may have a medium grade of granularity; and, surface306 may have a fine grade of granularity. Thus, for example, surface 302may have a coarseness of 80-200 grit to repair, remove, or lessen largeburs, surface 304 may have a coarseness of 200-800 grit to smoothscratches, and surface 306 may have a coarseness of 800-1600 grit topolish the surface of the golf ball. Tool 300 may have additionalsurfaces, such as surfaces 308, 310. In one exemplary embodiment, thegranularity of the surfaces 302-310 may be color coded, numbered, orlabeled.

In another exemplary embodiment, tool 300 may have a fastener 312. Usingfastener 312, a player may attach tool 300 to a belt loop, a golf bag, agolf cart, or the like. Alternatively, tool 300 may be small andportable enough to keep in the player's pocket or on a keychain.

Tool 300 may be made of a pliable core material, such as foam rubber.Surfaces 302-310 may be paper or fabric surfaces that are applied to theoutside surface of the core of tool 300 with adhesive, for example. Inan alternative embodiment, an abrasive may be applied to the outsidesurface of the core of the tool 300 using a spray or the like. Thus,when the player rubs the golf ball into a surface, such as surface 302,for example, the shape of tool 300 conforms to the curvature of theball, allowing more surface-to-surface contact. Rubbing the golf ballagainst an abrasive surface of tool 300 effectively modifies the surfaceof the golf ball at the initial point of contact as well as surroundingareas to repair, remove, or lessen the damaged portion with littleeffort. With the surface of the golf ball thus modified or repaired—thatis, with the negative effects on dynamic properties of the balleffectively limited—the player may continue use of the ball without anysignificant effect on the flight of the ball.

While tool 300 is depicted as a rectangular block, tool 300 may take avariety of different forms depending upon the implementation. Forexample, tool 300 may be a cube, pyramid, cylinder, tetrahedron, or thelike.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show views of a portable hand-held golf ball surfacerepair tool with concave surfaces in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. More particularly, FIG. 4A is a three-dimensional view of aportable hand-held tool for modifying the surface of a golf ball inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Tool 400 has a square blockshape with six sides. In the example depicted in FIG. 4A, each side oftool 400 has a concave abrasive surface. For example, surface 402 mayhave a coarse grade of granularity (e.g., 80-200 grit); surface 404 mayhave a medium grade of granularity (e.g., 200-800 grit); and, surface406 may have a fine grade of granularity (e.g., 800-1600 grit). Thus,for example, surface 402 may be used to repair, remove, or lessen largeburs, surface 404 may be used to smooth scratches, and surface 406 maybe used to polish the surface of the golf ball.

FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view of the portable hand-held toolfor repairing the surface of a golf ball in accordance with theillustrative embodiment. Tool 400 has concave surfaces 402 and 406 inthis view. Surfaces 402 and 406 substantially match the curvature ofgolf ball 410. Thus, when golf ball 410 comes into contact with surface402, for example, the surface-to-surface contact is increased. Tool 400may also be made of a pliable, deformable material, such as foam rubber,with flexible abrasive surfaces, such as paper or fabric, being affixedto the outer surface of tool 400, to increase surface-to-surfacecontact.

In other embodiments, the portable tool may also take the form of anarticle, such as clothing or other items used on the golf course. Forexample, the tool may be incorporated into a glove, shirt, pants, hat,visor, or the like. The tool may also be incorporated into a golf bag,golf cart, golf club, etc.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict example hand towels comprising a tool forrepairing the surface of a ball in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. As shown in FIG. 5A, hand towel 500 has two abrasivesurfaces 502 and 504 in the depicted example. However, depending uponthe implementation, hand towel 500 may have more or fewer abrasivesurfaces without departing from the spirit and scope of the illustrativeembodiments. Surface 502 may have a coarse grade of granularity, andsurface 504 may have a fine grade of granularity. Thus, for example,surface 502 may be used to repair, remove, or lessen large burs, andsurface 504 may be used to polish the surface of the golf ball. In oneexemplary embodiment, the granularity of the surfaces 502 and 504 may becolor coded, numbered, or labeled.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, hand towel 510 comprisesa tool portion 512 and a towel portion 514. Tool portion 512 may have asquare block shape. In the example depicted in FIG. 5B, one side of toolportion 512 has three concave abrasive surfaces. For example, surface522 may have a coarse grade of granularity (e.g., 80-180 grit); surface524 may have a medium grade of granularity (e.g., 180-320 grit); and,surface 526 may have a fine grade of granularity (e.g., 320-800 grit).Thus, for example, surface 522 may be used to repair, remove, or lessenlarge burs, surface 524 may be used to smooth a scratch, and surface 526may be used to smooth the surface of the golf ball. The player may firstwipe the golf ball with towel portion 514, and then rub the surface ofthe ball against the abrasive surfaces 522-526 of tool portion 512, inorder from coarse to medium to fine to very fine, for example.

FIG. 6 depicts a golf club cover comprising a tool for repairing thesurface of a ball in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Golfclub cover 600 includes a zipper 604, which opens to allow cover 600 tobe slipped over golf club 602. Golf club cover 600 has three abrasivesurfaces 612, 614, and 616. Surface 612 may have a coarse grade ofgranularity (e.g., 80-200 grit); surface 614 may have a medium grade ofgranularity (e.g., 200-800 grit); and, surface 616 may have a fine gradeof granularity (e.g., 800-1600 grit). Thus, for example, surface 612 maybe used to repair, remove, or lessen large burs, surface 614 may be usedto smooth a scratch, and surface 616 may be used to polish the surfaceof the golf ball. In one exemplary embodiment, the granularity of thesurfaces 612-616 may be color coded, numbered, or labeled.

FIG. 7 depicts a ball washer having a tool for repairing the surface ofa ball in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Ball washer 700may be stationed at various locations on a golf course, such as at eachtee. Ball washer 700 typically has a cleaning fluid and a mechanism forwashing the ball inside. A player may open ball washer 700, place theball in the opening, and clean dirt and debris from the outside of theball. Thus, a player may use ball washer 700 to improve the appearanceof the outside surface of a golf ball. Ball washer 700 may also have atowel attached to allow the player to dry the outside surface of theball.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment, ball washer 700 has golfball repair tool 702 mounted thereon or incorporated within. Golf ballrepair tool 702 may have a plurality of abrasive surfaces, such assurface 704, thereon to modify the surface of the golf ball to limit thenegative effects on aerodynamics, rolling dynamics, or other dynamicproperties caused by surface damage. Each abrasive surface, such assurface 704, may be concave to match the curvature of a golf ball.

Tool 702 may be made of a pliable, deformable material, such as foamrubber. Surface 704, for example, may be a paper or fabric surface thatis applied to the outside surface of tool 702 with adhesive, forexample. Thus, when the player rubs the golf ball into surface 704, forexample, the shape of tool 702 conforms to the curvature of the ball,allowing more surface-to-surface contact.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show views of a golf ball surface repair tool withconcave surfaces in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Moreparticularly, FIG. 8A is a three-dimensional view of a tool formodifying the surface of a golf ball, such as tool 702 in FIG. 7, inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Tool 810 has a square blockshape. In the example depicted in FIG. 8A, one side of tool 810 has fourconcave abrasive surfaces. For example, surface 812 may have a coarsegrade of granularity (e.g., 80-180 grit); surface 814 may have a mediumgrade of granularity (e.g., 180-320 grit); surface 816 may have a finegrade of granularity (e.g., 320-800 grit); and, surface 818 may have avery fine grade of granularity (e.g., 800-1600 grit). Thus, for example,surface 812 may be used to repair, remove, or lessen large burs, surface814 may be used to smooth a scratch, surface 816 may be used to smooththe surface of the golf ball, and surface 818 may be used to polish thesurface of the golf ball to a shine. The player may first wash the golfball in a golf ball washer, such as washer 700 in FIG. 7, and then rubthe surface of the ball against the abrasive surfaces 812-818 of tool810, in order from coarse to medium to fine to very fine, for example.

Tool 810 is affixed to a backing 822, which may be secured within amounting bracket 824. FIG. 8A shows only a portion of mounting bracket824. Backing 822 may slide into mounting bracket 824 and be secured byscrew 826. Thus, when the abrasive surfaces wear out or the material oftool 810 begins to deteriorate from weather effects, for instance, thetool may be replaced by sliding tool 810 out and sliding a new tool 810into bracket 824.

FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of the tool for repairing thesurface of a golf ball in accordance with the illustrative embodiment.Tool 810 has concave surfaces 812-818 in this view. Tool 810 is affixedto backing 822, which slides into mounting bracket 824. Surfaces 812-818may substantially match the curvature of a golf ball (not shown). Thus,when a golf ball comes into contact with surface 812, for example, thesurface-to-surface contact is increased. Tool 810 may also be made of apliable material, such as foam rubber, with flexible abrasive surfaces,such as paper or fabric, being affixed to the outer surface of tool 810,to increase surface-to-surface contact.

The golf ball repair tool may be mounted to other objects, such as agolf bag or golf cart, for example. FIG. 9 depicts a golf cart in whichthe illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Golf cart 900 includesconsole 902 to which a golf ball repair tool, such as tool 810 in FIGS.8A and 8B, may be mounted. Console 902 may be a dashboard of golf cart900, for example. Thus, whenever a player notices that the golf ball hassuffered surface damage that may affect the dynamic properties of theball, the player may bring the ball to golf cart 900 and modify thematerial surface of the ball to lessen the negative effects onaerodynamics of the golf ball.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a golf club grip with a golf ball repairtool in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. With reference toFIG. 10A, golf club grip 1000 is placed over the handle end of a golfclub. Golf club grip 1000 has a leather or rubber surface that helps toimprove the player's grip on the club. In accordance with anillustrative embodiment, golf club grip 1000 includes golf ball repairtool 1002 on the end of grip 1000. Golf ball repair tool 1002 hasconcave surface 1004, which is made of an abrasive material.

FIG. 10B shows a cross sectional view of the tool for repairing thesurface of a golf ball in accordance with the illustrative embodiment.Golf club tool 1002 has concave surface 1004, which is either made of anabrasive material or has an abrasive material attached thereto. Thus,whenever a player notices that the golf ball has suffered materialsurface damage that may affect the aerodynamics, rolling dynamics, orother dynamic properties of the ball, the player may rub the ballagainst surface 1004 modify the surface of the ball to lessen thenegative effects on dynamic properties of the golf ball. Within a set ofgolf clubs, different clubs may have various golf club grips 1000 withdifferent repair tools 1002, each with a concave, abrasive surface 1004of a different granularity.

Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a tool for modifying thematerial of the surface of a golf ball to limit the negative effects onaerodynamics, rolling dynamics, and other dynamic properties caused bymaterial surface damage. A portable, hand-held, lightweight toolcomprises one or more abrasive surfaces for removing or lesseningmaterial damage from the cover of a golf ball. The tool may be made froma pliable, deformable material, such as foam rubber, to conform to thecurved surface of a golf ball. The tool may include a fastener so thatthe tool may be attached to a belt loop, golf bag, key chain, golf cart,or the like. In other exemplary embodiments, the tool may be an articleof clothing or other golf equipment, such as a glove, towel, hat, visor,or golf club cover.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention, the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A portable tool for modifying a surface of a golf ball, the toolcomprising: a three-dimensional core of material having at least oneexterior surface; and at least one abrasive surface portion attached tothe at least one exterior surface, wherein the at least one abrasivesurface portion has a grade of granularity such that application of theat least one abrasive surface portion to an exterior surface of a golfball modifies material of the exterior surface of the golf ball tolessen negative effects on dynamic properties caused by surface damage.2. The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one abrasivesurface portion comprises: a first surface portion having a first gradeof granularity such that the first surface portion is used to remove orlessen burs from a surface of the golf ball; a second surface portionhaving a second grade of granularity such that the second surfaceportion is used to smooth damage from the surface of the golf ball; athird surface portion having a third grade of granularity such that thethird surface portion is used to buff the surface of the golf ball; anda fourth surface portion having a fourth grade of granularity such thatthe fourth surface portion is used to shine the surface of the golfball.
 3. The portable tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one abrasivesurface portion is concave.
 4. The portable tool of claim 3, wherein theat least one surface portion has a concavity that substantially matchesa curvature of the exterior surface of the golf ball.
 5. The portabletool of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional core of materialcomprises a deformable material.
 6. The portable tool of claim 5,wherein the deformable material is foam rubber.
 7. The portable tool ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one abrasive surface portion comprises aplurality of abrasive surface portions that are labeled to indicategrade of granularity.
 8. The portable tool of claim 1, furthercomprising: a fastener.
 9. The portable tool of claim 1, furthercomprising: a towel attached to the three-dimensional deformable core ofmaterial.
 10. A tool for modifying a surface of a golf ball, the toolcomprising: a core of material having at least one exterior surface; atleast one abrasive surface portion attached to the at least one exteriorsurface, wherein the at least one abrasive surface portion has a gradeof granularity such that application of the at least one abrasivesurface portion to the exterior surface of a golf ball modifies materialof the exterior surface of the golf ball to lessen negative effects ondynamic properties of the golf ball caused by surface damage; and abacking, wherein the core of pliable material is affixed to the backingand wherein the backing slides into a mounting bracket.
 11. The tool ofclaim 10, wherein the mounting bracket is affixed to a ball washer. 12.The tool of claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket is affixed to a golfcart.
 13. The tool of claim 10, wherein the at least one abrasivesurface portion comprises: a first surface portion having a first gradeof granularity such that the first surface portion is used to remove orlessen burs from a surface of the golf ball; a second surface portionhaving a second grade of granularity such that the second surfaceportion is used to smooth damage from the surface of the golf ball; athird surface portion having a third grade of granularity such that thethird surface portion is used to buff the surface of the golf ball; anda fourth surface portion having a fourth grade of granularity such thatthe fourth surface portion is used to shine the surface of the golfball.
 14. The tool of claim 10, wherein the at least one abrasivesurface portion is concave.
 15. The tool of claim 14, wherein the atleast one surface portion has a concavity that substantially matches acurvature of the exterior surface of the golf ball.
 16. The tool ofclaim 10, wherein the three-dimensional core of material comprises adeformable material.
 17. The tool of claim 16, wherein the deformablematerial is foam rubber.
 18. The tool of claim 10, wherein the at leastone abrasive surface portion comprises a plurality of abrasive surfaceportions that are labeled to indicate grade of granularity.
 19. A ballwasher, comprising: an exterior housing; an interior ball washingmechanism; a mounting bracket; a core of material having at least oneexterior surface; at least one abrasive surface portion attached to theat least one exterior surface, wherein the at least one abrasive surfaceportion has a grade of granularity such that application of the at leastone abrasive surface portion to the exterior surface of a golf ballmodifies material of the exterior surface of the golf ball to lessennegative effects on dynamic properties of the golf ball caused bysurface damage; and a backing, wherein the core of material is affixedto the backing and wherein the backing slides into the mounting bracket.20. The ball washer of claim 19, wherein the at least one abrasivesurface portion comprises: a first surface portion having a first gradeof granularity such that the first surface portion is used to remove orlessen burs from a surface of the golf ball; a second surface portionhaving a second grade of granularity such that the second surfaceportion is used to smooth damage from the surface of the golf ball; athird surface portion having a third grade of granularity such that thethird surface portion is used to buff the surface of the golf ball; anda fourth surface portion having a fourth grade of granularity such thatthe fourth surface portion is used to shine the surface of the golfball.
 21. The ball washer of claim 19, wherein the at least one abrasivesurface portion is concave.
 22. The ball washer of claim 21, wherein theat least one surface portion has a concavity that substantially matchesa curvature of the exterior surface of the golf ball.
 23. The ballwasher of claim 19, wherein the core of material comprises a deformablematerial.
 24. The ball washer of claim 23, wherein the deformablematerial is foam rubber.
 25. The ball washer of claim 19, wherein the atleast one abrasive surface portion comprises a plurality of abrasivesurface portions that are labeled to indicate grade of granularity. 26.A golf club grip, comprising: a tactile cover that fits over a handleportion of a golf club on a first end of the golf club grip; a golf ballrepair tool on a second end of the golf club grip, wherein the golf ballrepair tool comprises an abrasive surface portion, wherein the abrasivesurface portion has a grade of granularity such that application of theat least one abrasive surface portion to an exterior surface of a golfball modifies material of the exterior surface of the golf ball tolessen negative effects on dynamic properties of the golf ball caused bysurface damage.